This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6102092.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
North Korea talks 'set to resume' North Korea talks 'set to resume'
(20 minutes later)
Six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme are to resume soon, China's foreign ministry has confirmed.Six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme are to resume soon, China's foreign ministry has confirmed.
Agreement came after an informal meeting in Beijing between North Korea, China and the US, the ministry said.Agreement came after an informal meeting in Beijing between North Korea, China and the US, the ministry said.
The talks stalled a year ago after Pyongyang pulled out in protest at US financial sanctions imposed upon it.The talks stalled a year ago after Pyongyang pulled out in protest at US financial sanctions imposed upon it.
North Korea stunned the world by testing a nuclear weapon earlier this month and prompted the UN to agree to impose financial and arms sanctions. North Korea stunned the world by testing a nuclear weapon earlier this month, prompting the UN to impose financial and arms sanctions.
China's foreign ministry said on its website that the three parties "had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on continuing efforts to advance the process of the six-party talks". China's foreign ministry said on its website that envoys from China, the US and North Korea met on Tuesday and "had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on continuing efforts to advance the process of the six-party talks".
All three agreed the talks "be held soon at a time convenient to the six parties".All three agreed the talks "be held soon at a time convenient to the six parties".
China heads the talks, which as well as involving North Korea and the US, also include South Korea, Japan and Russia. The talks - which involve South Korea, Japan and Russia as well as China, North Korea and the US - began in 2003 to find a way to resolve the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
They appeared to make an historic breakthrough in September 2005 when North Korea announced it would give up its nuclear activities and rejoin the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
But within months optimism crumbled as North Korea withdrew from the talks in protest at US financial sanctions, under which about $24m (£14m) of funds have been frozen.